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Face of Defense: Cadet Tackles West Point Challenge

By Elaine WilsonAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2010  As the youngest of six children in his family, Adam Scott had some big military shoes to fill.

Adam Scott, third from left, poses for a picture with his family at his parents’ home in Lorton, Va. Scott is a sophomore at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. DoD photo by Elaine Wilson(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

His five siblings all joined the military. Three of them attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., as did his father and his grandfathers on both sides. On his father’s side, he can trace his active-duty military lineage back more than 130 years.

His choice to follow in their footsteps was a simple one, Scott said.

“After watching three siblings attend West Point, it really was not a difficult decision for me at all,” he said. “I saw how West Point positively affected their lives, and saw how their life after West Point provided great opportunities and vast choices.”

Now a sophomore there, Scott said he also was drawn by the “stellar academics, unbelievable opportunities and true challenge it presented.”

“I love the leadership opportunities,” he said. “Every person in the military has the ability to positively affect those around them, while still personally developing themselves. That kind of leadership opportunity simply isn’t around in other careers.”

The academics, while rewarding, can pose a challenge when it comes to time management, he said. “The most difficult aspect of life at West Point is trying to balance all of the tasks thrown your way,” he said. “Each day presents a new challenge and rarely is there excessive free time available, which means time management and work ethic are of the utmost importance.”

Scott said he’s not sure of his career path yet, but is keeping his mind open. In the meantime, he’s enjoying his time at West Point and his trips home to see family.

“I’m only about a five-hour drive from home,” the Lorton, Va., resident said. “I see my parents at least three or four times a semester. Unfortunately, it’s much more difficult to see my siblings with them spread all over the country and across the world. It can be months, or even years, at a time between visits.”

Raised as Army “brats,” Scott said, he’s not surprised he and his siblings chose a military path. “I think we have seen the good the Army can do, and have simply taken advantage of the opportunity. I think [my family and I] can all agree we’ve seized the opportunity.”